Our Story
A mentoring program has been in existence at Jewish Family Service (JFS) for over twenty years. The program, previously called “Special Friends,” was part of the JFS Volunteer Department, with no full time staff focusing solely on the program. In 2003, JFS became a founding member of the Metro Detroit Mentor Collaboration, and has been an active member ever since.
In October 2004, JFS received a three-year Mentoring Programs grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Drug Free Schools. The grant was provided in order to expand mentoring services for youth living in Oakland County. At that time, the program changed its name to Mentor Connection and separated itself from the JFS Volunteer Department to become a program within the JFS Clinical Services Department.
In June 2008, Mentor Connection, with the assistance of The Honorable Judge Edward Sosnick and Oakland Livingston Human Services, developed a task force of community leaders, lawyers, court employees, and other interested parties in tackling the needs of mentoring in Oakland County. This task force focuses on identifying and recruiting both mentors and mentees.
In July 2008, JFS received a three-year grant from United Way for Southeastern Michigan to create the new “Building Futures Together” program, which incorporates college and career-focused activities into the current socially-based Mentor Connection program. This program assists older youth in Oakland County currently not being served, as well as provides services for older youth living in Transitional Housing at Common Ground Sanctuary.
At JFS, we are committed to helping community youth through our mentoring programs. If you would like additional information or would like to speak with our Mentor Connection department, call 248.592.2317 or email mentoring@jfsdetroit.org.
If you’d like to become a Community Mentor, click here.
If you’d like to become a Career Mentor, click here.
If you’re interested in matching up with a Community Mentor, click here.
If you’re interested in matching up with a Career Mentor, click here.
Completed applications can be faxed to 248.592.2660. If you have questions and would like to speak with our Mentor Connection department, call 248.592.2317 or email mentoring@jfsdetroit.org.
